smurr05

For those of you ,like me, who havn't picked up this well reviewed series yet WBShop.com has each of the 5 seasons @ $13.99 - 71% off. They definately have been having some great sale prices on TV DVD's lately-

MichelleLee

Thanks, that's a great deal. Are there any current discount codes?

smurr05

Yeah I used the code WBAFF5 for $5.00 off $50.00
Also 1 for $10.00 0ff $100.00 = PG10
Hope this helps-

drmar35mm

Good price on one of TV's most intelligent SF series.

MichelleLee

Thanks!

thetao

Wow, years ago I bought them from Best Buy for $20 each and thought I was getting a bargain!

While the budget was minuscule, the dialogue could be stiff, and the story arc pacing varies wildly, the show succeeds more often than not, with some episodes absolutely breathtaking. Highly recommended, including the short-lived spin-off, Crusade.

SterlingBen

Tempting but I think I will wait for the inevitable BR uprezed version.

Kevin M. Dean

Consdering how many current shows don't even get a BD release, and the major issues involved in up converting the B5 cgi, I wouldn't really hold my breath for a BD release.

Double_Oh_7

Never going to happen.

thetao

I believe B5 is in the same position as ST:TNG when it comes to Blu-Ray, in so far as the show being shot on film, but the effects rendered at 480i. This necessitates redoing every effects shot, including enhancing the CG models (made a little harder because some CG sequences weren't so great the first time around). But TNG has the weight of the ST franchise behind it, while B5 is pretty much over and done...unless someone decides on a reboot someday. WB apparently made a ton of money from the B5 DVD sets, though, and my hope was they'd give the go-ahead to redo several key episodes for Blu-Ray, to test the waters.

Josh-da-man

The biggest problem with the B5 transfer is that it was originally mastered in 4:3, but the live action was shot in 16:9 widescreen.

When the widescreen DVD transfers were made, it was decided that the would release it widescreen. Simple live action shots were able to be shown in full 16:9, but any scene that had an optical effect -- CGI, a PPG blast (the Babylon 5 hand-held firearm), even optical wipes between scenes -- had to be taken from the old 4:3 masters and cropped at the top and bottom. As such, these parts look like absolute fucking shit. So when you're watching it on DVD, its constantly switching between 480 line SD video and something that looks like third generation EP VHS.

And, unfortunately, there's really no way that Warners will ever be bothered to re-render the CGI and remaster the series.

SterlingBen

Thats what they said about Farscape.

adam_omega

Yeah, but A&E put out the recent Farscape DVDs/BDs. WB just didn't care enough to spend a little extra money to have the DVDs done right the first time (as explained here), I can't see them doing it again unless there's a movie going to be made or they really feel there's an audience for an HD release. I kind of fear the existing releases are the best we'll get.

rxtian

While tempting; I will have to pass after reading the DVD Talk Reviews on Babylon 5's picture quality.

I read the reviews of all 5 seasons, n to be honest, after having done so, I would pay maybe $5.00 to $7.00 a season. I won't accept watching the equivalent of years old VHS worn tape PQ.

A shame; since I probably would have really enjoyed the series. I have the idea that the more I liked Babylon 5, the worse the bad PQ would ruin the good feelings.

adam_omega

Honestly, the picture quality isn't a deal breaker. Any non-effects shots look great, in fact. My bigger problem with the show, as a first time viewer, is just how dated and out of place the CG elements are as a whole. Even with the bad composting job, the effects in the show's early seasons just haven't aged well.

kd5

Babylon 5 was one hell of a ride (just got done watching it again). It might not have had the best picture quality in places, the CGI might be dated, but we are talking about one of the greatest science fiction series ever made so who cares that it's dated? $13.99/season is a good price, I paid WAY more for mine, but it's still worth every penny of what I paid. -kd5-

GreenMonkey

Warner lost the original CGI source files (short version). They'd have to do it entirely from scratch (not just re-render it). Never going to happen.

Best show ever. My favorite, although Game of Thrones is competing for the #1 slot, finally . Maybe in a couple of years

darkflounder

Makes the $80 a season I paid when they were released seem like a monumental waste of money.

However, I have watched all five seasons on DVD at least four times through. Considering how much mileage I've gotten off these sets, and how many people I've introduced to B5 with them, I think the money was well spent.

kd5

-kd5-